Page 5 of Keeping Noelle

“We could do broccoli cheddar, tomato, leek, or minestrone soup!” She says happily, and I smile.

“Whatever you want.”

“Minestrone,” she decides, and I nod, pulling out the chicken broth and small noodles that she likes in the soup.

She grabs the vegetables and we get to work peeling and dicing up everything.

“Sorry, I interrupted you with the soup talk. What are your parents up to?” She asks.

“They’re settled and happy down in Charleston. They seem to love it there, and I know that my dad’s arthritis is better in the warmer weather.”

“That’s good. I’ve talked to them a few times in the last few months. Your mom seems happy there too. She’s always going on about her garden. She sent me some pictures too and it was gorgeous! I wish that I had her green thumb,” Noelle says.

“You could ask her to teach you. I’m sure that she would love to help you if you decided to plant a garden. We can try to make some flower beds here this spring,” I offer, and she smiles.

“I’d love that, although I may kill everything,” she warns me.

“Maybe. Maybe not.”

She tells me more about the book club that she and my mom have been doing together, and I smile as she talks. I love that Noelle is so close to my family. I love that they can be the family that she deserves.

The soup starts to boil, and Noelle starts to make our grilled cheese while I make each of us a bowl and set it down in front of the barstools at the kitchen counter. I don’t have a kitchen table yet, and I add it to my list of things to look for online.

She flips the sandwiches in the pan, and I grab a plate for her to put them on when they’re done.

“What was your favorite place that you went to?” She asks me as we sit to eat.

“I liked Qatar. There were a lot of cool places to see there. Colorado was cool. Kind of reminded me of this place, at least weather-wise.”

“Did you ever get homesick?” She asks, and I nod.

“All of the time. I missed you like crazy,” I tell her.

“I missed you too. So much.”

We finish eating, and I carry our dishes over to the sink. Noelle pushes up her sleeves to start washing them, but I stop her.

“I’ll do it later.”

“But—” she starts, and it breaks my heart that she’s so used to doing nothing but chores and working.

“I’ll get them later. Let’s just relax right now.”

I lead her over to the couch and she snuggles against my side as I turn on the TV and put on the first movie that comes on.

“Oh! I love this one,” she says, and I smile.

She rests her head on my chest, and I wrap my arms around her, enjoying being with her. She feels so perfect. This is where she’s meant to be. This is where I’m meant to be.

The fire flickers in the fireplace as the movie ends, and I look down at Noelle to see her fast asleep, her head resting on my shoulder. I kiss her forehead and then stand and lift her into my arms and carry her upstairs to bed.

As I tuck her in, I realize just how badly I want this to be my life. I want to tuck her in each night. I want to wake up and see her touch all around me. I want her to be mine.

And I’m going to make that happen.

FOUR

Noelle

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